Leh / Day 01
Arrive in Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Only opened to foreign tourists in 1974, Leh has changed somewhat from the day’s yak trains would set off from the main bazaar toward Central Asia. It has, however, retained that Wild West feel. Wander the alleyways of the main bazaar, viewing traditional wares and sampling the local produce; Visit the 9-storey Leh Palace, a reminder of what was once was the thriving royal residence of the ruling Namgyals. The palace not only pre-dates but also served as the model for the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Scramble further up the hill to the Victory Fort for an encompassing view of the city. Please note: You may experience altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation while traveling in Ladakh. This is particularly apparent when arriving in Leh, at just above 3500m, so we have allowed time for acclimatization just after arrival until evening. Overnight stay at hotel in Leh.
Shey, Thiksey and Hemis / Day 02
After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to visit Hemis Monastery situated 45km west of Leh; Hemis is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. From Hemis, you are driven back taking the same route to visit Thiksey Monastery, located on a hill-lock with formidable views of the Indus valley. Thiksey is especially noteworthy for its gigantic seated statue of the Maitreya and is also known for its (Dukhang) assembly hall which houses hundreds of rectangular prayer books, stacked between wooden covers and bound in silk. After that we continue to drive through series of chortens to visit Shey Palace the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh. Later drive back to Hotel. Dinner and Over Night at the Hotel in Leh.
Chilling / Day 03
Today we will drive to Phey the pointing point of your raft trip to Nimmu village. This trip is ideal for beginners. You will get upto grade 2+ rapids. The trip will finish just after the confluence of the two rivers Zanskar and India. From here you will drive along the Zanskar river to get to Chilling. You will be spending your night over here in mobile camp. Overnight stay at camp.
Skiu / Day 04
After leaving the camp you will be hiking on a dot road along the Zanskar river for 2km, from here you will be crossing the river on a trolley and trek over a small hump to trek to Skiu. Skiu is the lowest village during your trek; it is consist of two small villages Skiu and Kaya. Overnight stay at camp
Markha / Day 05
Following the Markha River, we will hike through the lovely valley on a fairly level path. The trail crosses the river at various points, and passes through winter settlements that contain Lhatos (religious shrines for local deities) and Mani walls (stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers). During peak season, a number of tented teahouses will be open, providing hearty refreshment. After cross the river for the last time, we will arrive in Markha, the largest village in the valley, consisting of around 20 houses, an old monastery and a ruined fort could be visit. Overnight stay at camp.
Thachungtse / Day 06
The Markha valley trail continues past old stone-mills, a ruined castle and the auspicious monastery of Techa, which is proudly perched on a towering cliff that looms above Markha, well worth visiting if we have the energy! The path then intersects the river several times before cutting through the last hamlets in the valley. After leaving the village of Umlung , we will be afforded our first view of Kang-Yatse (6400m), which will stay in sight until we cross Kongmaru La. After we break for lunch in the village of Hangkar (the last in the valley), we will press onward to the lovely green pasture of Thachungtse, where we will camp.
Nimaling / Day 07 - 08
Today the trail will lead us up to the beautiful plateau of Nimaling, where the people of the Markha Valley bring their herds to graze during the summer months. At 4700m, Nimaling is the highest camp on the trek, giving us spectacular views of Kang Yatse to the right, the Zangskar Range and the Markha Valley below. Today one could explore the plains of Nimaling also one could get a chance to hike upto 5800mtrs, where one could get a view of Ladakh and Karakoram ranges, but most of the day is reserved to rest.
Chuskirmo / Day 09
We climb to the top of Kongmaru La (5100m) which offers excellent views and descend to enter a narrow gorge to our Campsite at Chuskyurmo at 4000 metres
Shang Phu / Day 10
From Chuskyurmo, we turn into a tributary valley which leads to Gyuncho La at 4700 metres. Descending from the pass, we make camp at Shang Phu at an altitude of 4365 metres.
Gangpoche / Day 11
Today we climb to cross the Shang La (4960m) and then descend to the Tokpo River and trek further downhill contouring around spurs and over a 4550m pass to our camping place at Gangpoche (4435m).
Base Camp of Stok Kangri / Day 12
Again we have a steady climb in the morning, this time up to the Matho La (4965m) with views of Stok Kangri (6137m). Descend to camp near Shepherds huts at Zurlais (4544m). From here we will cross over small stream and climb on the hill side. Cross one more Shepherd camp to reach base camp.
Upper Base Camp / Day 13
Summit Day! We have an early start, leaving camp at 3am and if all goes well we should be at the top with the first rays of the sun. After soaking in the amazing panoramic views we descend to Base camp.
Summit Day / Day 14
We descend and take rest on this day.
Stok Village / Day 15
Trek back to Stok village and see the Stok Palace Museum and then drive to Leh. The walk is nearly all downhill taking 3 1/2 to 4 hrs through a dramatic canyon with amazing red sandstone formations.
Leh / Day 16
Or an optional tour to drive upto highest motorable pass or visit to Alchi Monastery one of the oldest monastery in Ladakh. Overnight stay at hotel.
Delhi / Day 17
On time depart to Leh airport board flight to Delhi
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